Myths/homelessness is a choice

Myth

Myth: people are only homeless because they want to be.

Related myth: homeless people don't want to work

Examples

• 2021-11-14 a post on Nextdoor has several:
  • "I know it’s hard to understand for most folks - some actually choose to be. I’ve spoken with many just to ask how they are. Give of you can, say hello and provide kindness, many want to be acknowledged."
  • "Excuse making does not help. If they want [a job], they will find a way to get it. There are enough public services in the area. Maybe it won't happen immediately, but once again, if they want it, they will find a way to get it."
  • "Facts! I bought some breakfast for one of the guys and he told me he moved this way with a group of people that choose to be homeless. They have their own community and have been all over the country."

Reality

• 2019-03-27 Dismantling the Harmful, False Narrative That Homelessness Is a Choice "When asked what the most common misconception is about people experiencing homelessness, Mental Health Center of Denver supportive housing provider Takisha Keesee knew her answer right away: 'That they want to be homeless.' This myth enables apathy and maintains the nation's status quo of too many people experiencing homelessness in an urgent affordable housing crisis."

Other

• What do you think of people who are "voluntarily" homeless?: the question seems designed to attract anti-homelessness propaganda. The top answer as of 2021-11-14 is a CEO and "social entrepreneur" complaining about homeless people not taking advantage of available programs (which, if true, leaves open the question: why aren't they?).
  • 2021-07-25 why I had to choose to be homeless - this should be transcribed for easier reading